Copper Mountain launches uphill access pass

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Skinners looking for early morning powder turns will be able to find them at Copper Mountain, after the resort introduced a new up-hill access pass Wednesday.

The free pass allows individuals to skin or snowshoe on Copper terrain during non-operational hours, as long as they have signed a waiver and wear an armband that can be easily seen while going uphill.

Pass holders have to be at Solitude before 8:30 a.m., will not be granted uphill access until after 5 p.m., and are still expected to observe posted trail and rope closures, according to a statement from Copper.

Uphill access is only available up Skid Road to Main Vein, Rhapsody and ending at Solitude from East Village; up Carefree or Loverly to Coppertone, or east on Easy Road ending at Solitude from Center Village; and up Roundabout to West Ten Mile ending at the national forest access point gate from Union Creek to Janet's Cabin.

Uphill access users are still expected to stay in the middle of the trail and avoid blind spots, the release stated.